A small room being built in the Cultural Center link is the first stage of a project that will result in moving the switchboard and Safety Services out of the lobby and into the link.

The switchboard operator will be directly in front of the main entrance, and the security offices will be to the east of the room being constructed. The security offices will house the Director of Safety and security employees.

Larry Rousey, director of the physical plant, said the move is being made "for the protection of the faculty, students, and staff."

The link location will make the switchboard and security people more accessible, he said.

Rousey said the small room is where all of the wiring for a new fire alarm system meets. Cabling for all of the buildings join in that room.

Fox River Lumber built the room and will also construct the security offices, at a total estimated cost of under $10,000.

The emergency warning system has already been installed. Heart Electronics and Koener Electronics, both of Peoria, installed the system at an estimated cost of $575,000.

The records office, which already uses some of the area near the switchboard for registration functions, will take over the space vacated by the switchboard and security.

Rousey said that all remodeling will begin shortly before Christmas break and be completed by the first of the year.